AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You don’t understand. This could cause trouble for both of us.”
“I told you, I ain’t afraid of Ajax or the Marauders.” He circled his arms around her waist. “And if you’re with me, no one will ever hurt you again.”
“You don’t understand.”
“Then make me understand.”
She tried to put some distance between them, but he caged her against the wall with his hands on either side of her head. She drew in a deep breath, but there was no way to make the story sound good.
“You were right. Ajax wanted me to flirt with you at the Rook and then lure you into the back alley where he and Blaze would be waiting.”
She pursued Mamba at the bar, squashing her normally shy demeanor for the sake of Ajax’s plan, and enjoyed her new persona. Mandy’s role as the aggressor empowered her, and what started as an act became real. All her fantasies from years ago had come true that night. Mandy envisioned herself as a spy, like the daring women on her Netflix series, and Mamba had actually paid attention to her.
“And you were also right about me enjoying it, but I couldn’t go through with Ajax’s scheme, and that’s why I dared you to get up on the bar.”
He cocked his head. “What did that have to do with it?”
She could still see the sexy grin he flashed when he hopped up on the bar. Mamba’s spontaneity was contagious, and she doubted if anything scared him, which explained his success in the cage.
“I knew the bouncers would get involved and probably throw you out. I didn’t think you’d get arrested, but either way, I reasoned it was better than what Ajax and Blaze had planned for you.”
“Still doesn’t explain how you got your face busted up.”
“I broke up with Blaze months ago, but he won’t give me up. Apparently, my act didn’t fool him either, and he accused me of being disloyal and enjoying myself too much with you. When I didn’t deny it, his irrational, insane jealousy turned violent.”
“Fuck.” Mamba slammed his hand against the doorframe.
“Ajax was furious I didn’t carry out the original plan, so he used my bruised face as a weapon against you.”
“I hate what happened to you.” He ran his knuckles over her cheek. “Why do you listen to him?”
“Ajax took over as head of our family after our father ran off years ago and left my mother alone to raise three kids on a factory worker’s salary.”
“That’s tough, I get it, but the Serpents and Marauders always had a peaceful alliance. Why was Ajax targeting me?”
“Life was hard for us, and it made Ajax harder. Then after what happened—” She clamped her lips shut, but Mamba’s savvy eyes examined her.
“Afterwhathappened?”
Mandy bit her lower lip, but she couldn’t turn back now, and she wanted him to know the truth. If they were to have anything, they couldn’t have this lie between them. Then she admonished herself for such a ridiculous thought. There could never be anything with Mamba.
“The fighter you put in a wheelchair two years ago was my older brother, Achilles.”
“What?” Mamba reared back, his arms dropping to his side. “You weren’t in the courtroom during the trial. I would’ve remembered.”
“Our lawyer said it would be better if we stayed away because of Ajax’s connection with the Marauders. They didn’t want to make it look like a gang retaliation.”
“Shit, I—”
“I don’t blame you. I never did. I love Achilles, but he was stubborn and tough. He knew the risks of stepping in the cage.”
Mamba enveloped her in his arms. His corded muscles held Mandy tight, and the beat of his heart radiated through his thin t-shirt. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You went to prison and paid the price, but I must be loyal to Ajax and my family.” She pushed her palms against his chest. “This is why you and me will never work.”
“Ajax used you in the worst possible way.”
“But—”
